This is part one of a three-part article series on business aircraft operations and parking issues for Hong Kong.

Arranging overnight aircraft parking continues to be a challenge at Hong Kong (VHHH) – even for operators based on the airfield. There are, however, steps you can take to improve success with parking requests. Keep in mind that if you need to relocate your aircraft, for overnight parking purposes, it may be necessary to consider additional landing permits, visas, and documentation.

The following is an overview of what you need to know:

1. Current parking conditions

Over the past year there’s been an increase in traffic to Hong Kong as more General Aviation (GA) operators travel to this location. There’s also been an increasing number of overnight parking request denials due to lack of availability. VHHH has approximately 20 GA parking spots at the general aviation terminal – but this depends on the size of the aircraft. When parking fills up on the GA ramp, aircraft will be relocated to park on the scheduled commercial side. Airport authorities, however, often do not entertain such requests as these ramp areas are needed for commercial purposes.

2. Aircraft parking denials

Over the past few months, we’ve seen more and more requests for overnight parking denied, due to lack of space. Even operators based at VHHH have been experiencing parking denials unless they have a hangar to park in. Particularly for operators planning to travel to Hong Kong over holiday periods, it’s recommended that parking requests be submitted 30 days in advance.

3. Parking request procedure

All parking requests are done via a Prior Permission Required (PPR) process. The earliest you can request overnight parking for VHHH is 30 days prior to operation. Parking requests submitted before 1800 local will be processed the same day. Requests filed after this time will be processed and notified by noon the next day. Parking at VHHH is on a first-come-first-served basis. Once parking is approved, airport authorities will not deny your parking reservation at a later time. Although there’s no official max time for parking at this location, parking requests for more than five consecutive days will likely be denied.

4. Parking revisions

In the past when revisions were made to pre-approved parking, the original parking space would be cancelled, and a new request would need to be processed. This policy, however, has changed. Today, once parking is approved, you may request changes to a parking confirmation without losing the parking reservation you currently have. A revision request, to arrive earlier and/or depart later, will be approved/denied by the airport authorities at their discretion, but your existing parking confirmation will not disappear.

5. Required information

To request parking, you’ll need to submit tail number, aircraft type, and size, along with arrival/departure schedule. Requests are submitted via a website portal controlled by the airport authority. Parking is usually requested by way of your ground handler, but any operator may apply for a login/password to use this site. Parking approval/denial will be sent by e-mail from the airport authority.

6. PPRs, landing permits, and airport slots are always needed

Before your arrival airport authorities check that the aircraft has a landing permit, airport slot, and PPR. For departure they’ll check to confirm that you have an approved permit for departure, as well as an airport slot. If you don’t have an approved departure slot, you’ll not be able to file your flight plan.

7. Additional reading: Hong Kong Aircraft Parking – Series Index

• Hong Kong Aircraft Parking Update: Part 1 – Parking & PPRs
• Hong Kong Aircraft Parking Update: Part 2 – Permits, PPRs, and Airport Slots
• Hong Kong Aircraft Parking Update: Part 3 – Airport Operations, Alternates, and CIQ

Conclusion

Due to increased commercial and GA traffic to Hong Kong, it’s important to be mindful of parking restrictions and issues at VHHH. Best practice is to request parking early and have contingency plans in case parking isn’t approved.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article or about operating to Hong Kong, contact Alan Pong at alanpong@univ-wea.com.

Later, we’ll discuss landing permits and airport slot requirements for operating to Hong Kong.